Worcester DA issues warning of text message scam

Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. is warning residents to beware of holiday scams, including one coming in the form of a text message that says the recipient has won a $1,000 Best Buy gift card.

The text is not from the electronics retailer, but from scammers looking to get personal credit card information from those receiving the text, according to a news release from Mr. Early’s office. Those receiving the text are directed to a website disguised to appear as that of the company. Scam websites will often ask consumers to give their credit card number and other information in order to get their prize.

“If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” Mr. Early said. “Consumers should be wary about giving up their personal information.”

The scam has been under way around the country for several weeks and recently made its way to region. State police detectives assigned to the district attorney’s Office are investigating.

Detectives and Best Buy officials recommend that those receiving the bogus text call their cellphone carrier and report that they are receiving spam.